Confirmed cases of measles reported in South King and Pierce counties

Posted on Jul. 9, 2014 (
comments)

Updated July 9, 2014, Noon

The public health agencies of King County and Pierce County have reported a number of confirmed cases of measles occurring between June 10 and July 4, 2014. As of July 9, seven people who sought care at the following MultiCare Health System facilities were later identified as having measles and may have exposed others to the virus.

MultiCare staff members are contacting patients and visitors who may have been exposed to the virus and who may be at risk for measles infection. MultiCare advises their patients who have concerns about potential exposure to call their primary care provider. Those without a primary care provider can contact their local health departments at the numbers below:

In King County, call the Measles hotline: 206-296-4949.

In Pierce County, call 253-798-6410, press "0."

If you have never been vaccinated for measles or are concerned about whether your vaccinations are up-to-date, visit one of the sites below for information on free or low-cost immunizations:

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It is mainly spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.

People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under 12 months of age and those with weakened immune systems.

Children should be vaccinated with two doses of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose should be at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at four through six years of age. Infants traveling outside the United States can be vaccinated as early as six months but must receive the full two dose series beginning at 12 months of age; more information is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Adults should have at least one dose of measles vaccine, and two doses are recommended for international travelers, health care workers, and students in college, trade school, and other schools after high school.